Movement for Black Lives Resolution

"We, the Fairfax Select Board, hereby recognize and support racial equity and the ongoing Movement for Black Lives.

Historically, and presently, Black, Brown, and Indigenous people in our communities have been subjected to systemic and individual racism on both human and economic levels.

Openly demonstrating our support for racial equity and the Movement for Black Lives acknowledges our awareness that inequity exists, challenges denials, illustrates our intention to eradicate harmful injustices and advance human decency, and makes a strong statement that we value all members of our community.

We strive to be a place for all people to feel valued, safe, and welcome. Our commitment to advancing equity, justice, and respect while standing in solidarity with Black, Brown and Indigenous lives is an important piece of a strong, inclusive community and highlights our Vermont motto of “Freedom and Unity.”

We acknowledge that becoming an anti-racist community requires on going and intentional work. We recognize that this is a time to listen and to learn with a goal of gaining a more complete understanding of the needs of our community. This is a time to create space for and engagement with diverse voices and to be inclusive in meeting community needs.

The Select Board is dedicated to advancing opportunities for education, training and community conversations around race, equity, and social justice as we grow, listen, understand, and consciously take action to better our community. The board commits to public displays of its support for the Movement for Black Lives, for racial justice, and for demonstrating solidarity that will benefit residents and visitors now and in the future.

The Town of Fairfax, through this resolution, chooses to intentionally and visibly support the movement for Black Lives and racial justice. By taking a stand in this worldwide fight for justice, we move toward equity and inclusion in our community."

Adopted by the Fairfax Select Board on November 2, 2020

BFA Racial Equity Statement